KR20240036457A - Battery module, battery pack including the same, and method of manufacturing battery module - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention includes a battery module and a battery pack including the same, and the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a bus electrically connected to the battery cell stack. A first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a bus bar assembly including a bar and a bus bar frame covering the battery cell stack on at least one side; a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are accommodated; a sealing assembly covering both open ends of the module frame; and an end plate covering the sealing assembly, wherein one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

Description

Battery module, battery pack including the same, and method of manufacturing the battery module {BATTERY MODULE, BATTERY PACK INCLUDING THE SAME, AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING BATTERY MODULE}

The present invention relates to a battery module, a battery pack containing the same, and a method of manufacturing the battery module. More specifically, it relates to a battery module with improved energy density, cooling efficiency, and safety, and a method of manufacturing the battery pack and the battery module containing the same. .

As technology development and demand for mobile devices increase, the demand for secondary batteries as an energy source is rapidly increasing. Accordingly, much research is being conducted on secondary batteries that can meet various needs.

Secondary batteries are attracting much attention as an energy source not only for mobile devices such as mobile phones, digital cameras, and laptops, but also for power devices such as electric bicycles, electric vehicles, and hybrid electric vehicles.

Recently, as the need for high-capacity secondary battery structures has increased, including the use of secondary batteries as energy storage sources, the demand for battery packs with a medium to large module structure that aggregates battery modules with multiple secondary batteries connected in series/parallel is increasing. .

Meanwhile, when a battery pack is constructed by connecting a plurality of battery cells in series/parallel, a battery module is composed of at least one battery cell, and other components are added using at least one battery module to form a battery pack. The configuration method is common.

Since the battery cells that make up these medium-to-large battery modules are composed of secondary batteries that can be charged and discharged, such high-output, large-capacity secondary batteries generate a large amount of heat during the charging and discharging process. In this case, heat from multiple battery cells is added up in a small space, causing the temperature to rise quickly and severely. In other words, in the case of battery modules with multiple battery cells stacked and battery packs equipped with these battery modules, high output can be obtained, but it is not easy to remove heat generated from the battery cells during charging and discharging. If the heat dissipation of the battery cell is not performed properly, the battery cell deteriorates faster, its lifespan is shortened, and the possibility of explosion or ignition increases.

Moreover, battery modules included in vehicle battery packs are frequently exposed to direct sunlight and may be placed in high temperature conditions such as summer or desert areas. Additionally, because multiple battery modules are deployed intensively to increase the vehicle's driving range, flame or heat generated from one battery module can easily spread to neighboring battery modules, ultimately leading to ignition or explosion of the battery pack itself. You can.

In addition, the battery pack is heavy because it is composed of a combination of multiple battery modules, and is unsuitable for loading multiple batteries in a vehicle such as a car, so there is a need to improve energy density.

1 is a diagram showing a conventional battery pack. Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 1.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the conventional battery pack 10 includes a lower pack frame 11 on which a plurality of battery modules 1 are mounted, and an upper pack frame located on top of the battery module 1 ( 12), and an internal beam 13 that defines a position where the battery module 1 is mounted within the battery pack 10.

In this way, when the battery module 1 is mounted within the battery pack 10, the energy density of the battery pack 10 is reduced due to the internal beam 13 that partitions the battery modules 1, so that it is necessary for devices, etc. There was a problem that a greater number of battery packs 10 had to be provided in order to meet efficiency. Additionally, due to the weight of the battery pack 10, there was a limit to the number of battery packs 10 that could be provided in the device. Therefore, it is necessary to reduce the weight of the battery pack 10 and simultaneously reduce the energy density of the battery pack 10, so that a greater number of battery modules 1 must be mounted within the battery pack 10.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the battery module of FIG. 2.

Referring to Figure 3, a conventional battery module (1) includes a battery cell stack (3) including battery cells (2) stacked in a preset direction, and a module frame (4) storing the battery cell stack (3). It includes, and the battery cell stack (3) is fixed and positioned on the thermally conductive resin layer (5) located on the lower surface of the module frame (4). In this case, in order to cool the heat generated from the battery cell stack 3, a heat sink 6 may be provided in contact with the bottom of the module frame 4 located in the -z-axis direction of FIG. 3.

However, since the heat sink 6 does not receive heat while being in direct contact with the battery cell stack 3, it has the disadvantage of not having very high cooling efficiency, so there is no way to cool the battery module 1 more effectively. It is necessary.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a battery module and an internal beam mounted on the battery pack of FIG. 2. Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing the battery module and internal beam before charging and discharging, and Figure 4(b) is a diagram showing the battery module and internal beam after charging and discharging.

Referring to FIG. 4(a), the battery module 1 before charging and discharging may be in a state not in contact with the adjacent internal beam 13. On the other hand, when charging and discharging of the battery progresses, heat is generated in the battery module 1, and this heat may not be sufficiently cooled by the heat sink 6 in FIG. 3. Also, referring to FIG. 4(b), in the battery module 1, gas is generated inside the battery cell and a swelling phenomenon may occur, so that the battery module 1 may come into contact with the adjacent internal beam 13, which causes There is a risk that the battery module (1) may be damaged.

Summarizing the above, it can be seen that a more effective method for improving the cooling efficiency of the battery module is needed to improve the safety of the battery module and battery pack.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a battery module with improved safety by improving energy density and cooling efficiency, a battery pack including the same, and a method of manufacturing the battery module.

However, the problems to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the above-mentioned problems and can be expanded in various ways within the scope of the technical idea included in the present invention.

A battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, a bus bar that electrically connects the battery cells, and a bus bar frame that covers the battery cell stack on at least one side. A first sub-module and a second sub-module each including a bus bar assembly; a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are accommodated; a sealing assembly covering both open ends of the module frame; and an end plate covering the sealing assembly, wherein one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other.

In the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, a cooling fin is located between two neighboring battery cells in the battery cell stack, and the cooling fin includes a plate that is adhesively fixed to one side of the battery cell. can do.

The cooling fin further includes a protrusion protruding from one end of the plate, and the protrusion may protrude and extend parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cell stack.

The protrusion may be positioned in contact with the upper or lower surface of the module frame, and the other end of the plate may be positioned in contact with the lower or upper surface of the module frame.

The upper and lower portions of the battery cell may be positioned at a certain height from the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame and in contact with the plate.

A space is provided between the upper surface of the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell, and between the lower surface of the module frame and the lower part of the battery cell, and refrigerant can move into the space.

The first electrode lead located at one end of the first sub-module and the second electrode lead located at the other end of the second sub-module may be electrically connected to each other.

The first electrode lead includes a first outermost electrode lead derived from an outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack constituting the first submodule, and the second electrode lead includes a first outermost electrode lead derived from the outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack constituting the first submodule. It may include a second outermost electrode lead derived from the outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack.

The first electrode leads are plural, the first electrode leads excluding the first outermost electrode lead are electrically connected to the neighboring first electrode leads in pairs, and the second electrode leads are plural, The second electrode leads, excluding the second outermost electrode lead, may be electrically connected to the neighboring second electrode leads while forming a pair.

The sealing assembly includes a first sealing assembly that covers the open one end of the module frame, and a second sealing assembly that covers the other open end of the module frame, and the first sealing assembly is an inlet, which is a hole through which refrigerant flows. It includes, and the second sealing assembly may include an outlet, which is a hole through which refrigerant is discharged.

The inlet may be located lower than the center based on the height of the first sealing assembly, and the outlet may be located above the center based on the height of the second sealing assembly.

The inlet and the outlet are located on the same line, the inlet is located above the center based on the height of the first sealing assembly, and the outlet is located above the center based on the height of the second sealing assembly. can be located

The refrigerant may be in direct contact with the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly stored inside the module frame.

The refrigerant may be insulating oil.

In the battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention, a first sealing member may be interposed along an edge of the sealing assembly coupled with the open both ends of the module frame.

The first sealing member may be an adhesive tape.

The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a second sealing member positioned to fill a gap located in an area between the module frame and the sealing assembly, excluding the area sealed by the first sealing member. can do.

The battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a third sealing member disposed along an edge of the sealing assembly and the end plate.

The third sealing member may be epoxy resin.

In the battery module according to another embodiment of the present invention, the sealing assembly includes a module venting portion provided in one area of the sealing assembly, and the module venting portion includes a venting hole penetrating the sealing assembly, and the venting portion. A module connection part that is a single hole communicating with the hole, a fixed cover provided between the venting hole and the bus bar assembly and fixed to the inner surface of the sealing assembly, and a fixed cover provided between the venting hole and the fixed cover to secure the It may include a membrane that is in contact with and fixed to the cover.

The module connection part protrudes from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module frame, and may further include a venting protrusion that surrounds the module connection part and is a region that protrudes from the sealing assembly in the opposite direction of the module frame.

The end plate covering the sealing assembly provided with the module connection portion and the protrusion includes a venting opening, the venting opening is a hole penetrating the end plate, and the module connection portion and the protrusion are positioned while passing through the venting opening. can do.

A battery pack according to another embodiment of the present invention includes the battery module described above, and a pack venting portion connected to the battery module.

The pack venting unit may include a pack connection part connected to the battery module, a direction control part that is a pipe in communication with the pack connection part, and an outlet provided in one area of the side pack frame and connected to the direction control part.

The direction control unit is located inside the side pack frame, one end of the direction control unit is blocked, the other end of the direction control unit is connected to the outlet, and the pack connection unit connects the battery module from one side of the direction control unit. It may be an area that protrudes toward.

The pack connection portion is connected to the module connection portion of the battery module, and the module connection portion may be a hole communicating with the interior of the battery module.

According to embodiments, the energy density of the battery pack can be improved by electrically connecting each battery module.

Additionally, by cooling the top and bottom of the battery cell more effectively, cooling efficiency can be improved and the safety of the battery module and battery pack can be ensured.

The effects of the present invention are not limited to the effects mentioned above, and other effects not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the description of the claims.

1 is a diagram showing a conventional battery pack.
Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 1.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the battery module of FIG. 2.
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a battery module and an internal beam mounted on the battery pack of FIG. 2. Figure 4(a) is a diagram showing the battery module and internal beam before charging and discharging, and Figure 4(b) is a diagram showing the battery module and internal beam after charging and discharging.
Figure 5 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 5.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a battery module mounted based on the upper surface of the battery pack of FIG. 5. FIG. 7(a) is a plan view showing a battery module installed in the conventional battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. 7(b) is a plan view showing a battery module mounted on the battery pack of FIG. 5.
Figure 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 8.
Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the refrigerant is located within the battery module.
Figure 11 is a perspective view of the battery module excluding the module frame of Figure 8.
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a sub-module constituting a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 13 is an exploded view of the submodule of Figure 12.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 viewed along the x-axis.
Figure 15 is a perspective view of the battery module in Figure 11 with a side plate added.
Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 15.
FIG. 17 is a diagram showing FIG. 15 being inserted into a module frame.
FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the interior of area A1 in FIG. 11.
FIG. 19 is a diagram showing area A2 of FIG. 11.
Figure 20 is a diagram showing the movement path of current in the battery module.
Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the first sealing assembly mounted on one side of the module frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 22 is a diagram showing the process of assembling the first sealing assembly of Figure 21. Figure 22(a) is a diagram showing the module connector being coupled to the first sealing cover. Figure 22(b) is a diagram showing the sensing unit being coupled to the first sealing cover. Figure 22(c) is a diagram showing that both the module connector and the sensing unit are coupled to the first sealing cover.
FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a process in which the first sealing assembly of FIG. 21 is mounted on one surface of the module frame. Figure 23(a) is a diagram showing a sensing cable being electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board. Figure 23(b) is a view showing the first sealing assembly being coupled to the module frame. Figure 23(c) is a view showing sealing the first sealing assembly and the module frame.
Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view showing the first end plate mounted on the first seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 25 is a view of the first end plate mounted on the first sealing assembly viewed in the -x-axis direction of FIG. 22.
FIG. 26 is a diagram showing area A5 cut along line B-B' in FIG. 25.
Figure 27 is a diagram showing the second sealing assembly mounted on the other surface of the module frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the second end plate mounted on the second seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 29 is a view of the second end plate mounted on the second sealing assembly viewed in the -x-axis direction of FIG. 28.
FIG. 30 is a view showing area A6 cut along line C-C' of FIG. 29.
Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of a second sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 32 is a view when FIG. 31 is viewed in the -y-axis direction.
FIG. 33 is a view showing the second sealing assembly of FIG. 31 combined with the second end plate.
Figure 34 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 35 is a diagram showing a pack venting unit according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line DD' in Figure 34.
Figure 37 is a perspective view of Figure 34 viewed in the -z-axis direction.

Hereinafter, with reference to the attached drawings, various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail so that those skilled in the art can easily implement the present invention. The invention may be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein.

In order to clearly explain the present invention, parts that are not relevant to the description are omitted, and identical or similar components are assigned the same reference numerals throughout the specification.

In addition, the size and thickness of each component shown in the drawings are arbitrarily shown for convenience of explanation, so the present invention is not necessarily limited to what is shown. In the drawing, the thickness is enlarged to clearly express various layers and regions. And in the drawings, for convenience of explanation, the thicknesses of some layers and regions are exaggerated.

Additionally, when a part of a layer, membrane, region, plate, etc. is said to be “on” or “on” another part, this includes not only cases where it is “directly above” another part, but also cases where there is another part in between. . Conversely, when a part is said to be “right on top” of another part, it means that there is no other part in between. In addition, being "on" or "on" a reference part means being located above or below the reference part, and necessarily meaning being located "above" or "on" the direction opposite to gravity. no.

In addition, throughout the specification, when a part is said to "include" a certain component, this means that it may further include other components rather than excluding other components, unless specifically stated to the contrary.

In addition, throughout the specification, when referring to “on a plane,” this means when the target portion is viewed from above, and when referring to “in cross section,” this means when a cross section of the target portion is cut vertically and viewed from the side.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is an exploded perspective view of the battery pack of Figure 5. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a battery module mounted based on the upper surface of the battery pack of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a lower pack frame 1100 on which a plurality of battery modules 100 are mounted, and an upper portion of the battery module 100. It includes an upper pack frame 1200 located at the top, and at least one venting portion 2000 provided on the side of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the lower pack frame 1100 and the upper pack frame 1200 are coupled to each other by a method such as welding, so that the inside of the battery pack 1000 can be sealed.

The battery module 100 may include a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked along a preset direction, and a module frame 200 that accommodates the battery cell stack 120. The module frame 200 may be a monoframe in the form of a metal plate in which the upper and lower surfaces (z-axis direction and -z-axis direction) and both sides (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) are integrated. The battery cell stack 120 may be mounted inside the module frame 200 to form the battery module 100. However, the module frame 200 is not limited to the above-described content, and the module frame 200 may include an upper frame and a lower frame.

The lower pack frame 1100 includes a side pack frame 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110 formed on the bottom of the lower pack frame 1100. Here, the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and the at least two internal beams 1110, and the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and the side pack frames 1150 may be coupled to each other by a method such as welding. .

The plurality of battery modules 100 may be partitioned from each other by a side pack frame 1150 and at least two internal beams 1110. In other words, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be respectively arranged in an area between the internal beams 1110 of the side pack frame 1150 and in an area between adjacent internal beams 1110. More specifically, in the battery pack 1000, the battery module 100 is disposed between a pair of internal beams 1110 located adjacent to each other among the plurality of internal beams 1110, and the internal beam 1110 and the side The battery module 100 may be disposed between the pack frames 1150.

Accordingly, the plurality of battery modules 100 are surrounded by at least two internal beams 1110 and the side pack frame 1150, so that each battery module 100 can be protected from external shock.

The side pack frame 1150 may be disposed at the edge of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100 and extend upward from the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100. More specifically, the side pack frame 1150 may extend upward from each edge of the bottom surface of the lower pack frame 1100.

The upper end of the side pack frame 1150 may be in contact with the upper pack frame 1200. At this time, the upper end of the side pack frame 1150 and the upper pack frame 1200 are coupled to each other by a method such as welding, so that the inside of the battery pack 1000 can be sealed.

The plurality of internal beams 1110 may be spaced apart from each other. Here, the distance at which neighboring internal beams 1110 are separated from each other may be equal to or larger than the size of the battery module 100.

Additionally, the end of the inner beam 1110 may be in contact with the inner surface 1152 of the side frame 1150. More specifically, both ends of the inner beam 1110 may be in contact with the inner surface 1152 of the side frame 1150, respectively.

FIG. 7(a) is a plan view showing a battery module installed in the conventional battery pack of FIG. 1. FIG. 7(b) is a plan view showing a battery module mounted on the battery pack of FIG. 5.

Referring to FIG. 7(a), a conventional battery pack 10 includes a plurality of battery modules 1 mounted between internal beams 13 dividing the lower pack frame 11. At this time, the internal beams 13 are arranged in the x-axis direction and the y-axis direction to partition the space inside the lower pack frame 11, and a plurality of battery modules 1 can be mounted between the spaces. At this time, one end and the other end of the battery module 1 may be positioned while contacting the inner surface of the lower pack frame 11 and the inner beam 13, or may be positioned slightly spaced apart. That is, the inner beam 13 may be positioned as shown in FIG. 7(a), and the weight of the battery pack 10 may increase due to the inclusion of the inner beam 13 extending in the y-axis direction. As a result, there is a problem that the energy density of the battery pack 10 is low. Therefore, in order to solve the above problem, in this embodiment, a plurality of conventional battery modules 1 can be connected as sub-modules to form one battery module 100 as shown in FIG. 7(b).

Specifically, referring to FIG. 7(b), the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a plurality of battery modules 100 mounted between the internal beams 1110 dividing the lower pack frame 1100. ) includes.

As described above, the battery module 100 may be a connection of two battery modules 1 arranged in the x-axis direction in FIG. 7(a). As an example, in the battery module 100 of this embodiment, each battery cell stack constituting the battery module 1 of FIG. 7(a) may be electrically connected. That is, the two battery cell stacks constituting the two battery modules 1 of FIG. 7(a) may be electrically connected to each other. Accordingly, the battery module 100 of this embodiment may have a longer length along the x-axis than the conventional battery module 1.

To summarize the above, referring to FIG. 7(a), in the conventional battery pack 10, the internal beams 13 are arranged along the x-axis and y-axis to partition the space inside the lower pack frame 1100. , a plurality of battery modules 100 may be installed between the spaces. On the other hand, referring to FIG. 7(b), the battery pack 1000 in this embodiment, unlike the conventional battery pack 10, has internal beams 1110 not arranged in the y-axis direction. Able to know. This is because the length (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100 increases compared to the prior art, so that one end and the other end in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100 come into contact with the side pack frame 1150 or the side pack frame 1150. Since it is positioned to tightly fill the space between the pack frame 1150 and the end of the battery module 100, the internal beam 1110 moves in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100 (y-axis direction). This is because there is no need to partition the battery module 100 along ). That is, in this embodiment, due to the structure of the battery module 100 described above, the number of internal beams 1110 provided in the battery pack 1000 is reduced compared to the prior art, so the weight of the battery pack 1000 is reduced while It can be seen that the energy density increases.

Hereinafter, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail.

Figure 8 is a perspective view of a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 8.

Referring to Figures 8 and 9, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may be one in which a plurality of sub-modules corresponding to a conventional battery module are electrically connected to form one battery module 100. there is. Specifically, the battery module 100 of this embodiment may be one in which one end and the other end of each battery cell stack, which constitutes two conventional battery modules, are electrically connected.

The battery module 100 according to this embodiment includes a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, a module frame 200 for storing the battery cell stack 120, and a battery cell stack ( A bus bar assembly 300 located on the front and/or rear of 120), a sealing assembly 400 covering the front and/or rear of the bus bar assembly 300, and the front and/or of the sealing assembly 400. It includes an end plate 500 covering the rear.

First, the battery cell 110 may be a pouch-type battery cell. Such a pouch-type battery cell can be formed by storing an electrode assembly in a pouch case of a laminate sheet including a resin layer and a metal layer, and then heat-sealing the sealing portion of the pouch case. At this time, the battery cell 110 may be formed in a rectangular sheet-like structure.

These battery cells 110 may be composed of a plurality, and the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked so as to be electrically connected to each other to form the battery cell stack 120. In particular, as shown in FIG. 9, a plurality of battery cells 110 may be stacked along a direction parallel to the y-axis direction. As described above, the direction in which the plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked can be defined as the width direction of the battery cell stack 120.

The module frame 200 may be used to protect the battery cell stack 120 and the electrical equipment connected thereto from external physical shock. The module frame 200 can accommodate the battery cell stack 120 and electrical components connected thereto in the internal space of the module frame 200.

The structure of the module frame 200 may vary. According to this embodiment, the structure of the module frame 200 may be a mono frame structure. Here, the mono frame may be in the form of a metal plate in which the top, bottom, and both sides are integrated. Monoframes can be manufactured by extrusion molding.

However, the structure of the module frame 200 is not limited to this, and as another example, the module frame 200 may have a structure in which a U-shaped frame and an upper plate are combined. In this case, the U-shaped frame may be formed by combining or integrating the lower surface and both sides of the module frame 200. At this time, each frame or plate constituting the U-shaped frame may be manufactured by press molding. Additionally, the structure of the module frame 200 may be provided as an L-shaped frame in addition to a mono frame or U-shaped frame, and may also be provided in various structures not described in the above example.

The module frame 200 may be provided with its front and rear surfaces open along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell stack 120. In this case, the front and back sides of the battery cell stack 120 may not be covered by the module frame 200. The front and back of the battery cell stack 120 may be covered by the bus bar assembly 300, the sealing assembly 400, or the end plate 500, and thereby the front and back of the battery cell stack 120. will be protected from external physical shock, etc.

The bus bar assembly 300 includes a bus bar frame 310, which will be described later, and a bus bar 330 mounted on one surface of the bus bar frame 310. The bus bar assembly 300 may be formed to cover the battery cell stack 120 by being located on the open first side (x-axis direction) and the second side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame 200. . The bus bar assembly 300 can electrically connect the battery cells 110 constituting the battery cell stack 120 in series or parallel.

The bus bar assembly 300 may include a bus bar frame 310, a bus bar 330, and a terminal bus bar 340, which will be described later.

The sealing assembly 400 may be positioned on the open first side (x-axis direction) and the second side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame 200 to cover the battery cell stack 120. The sealing assembly 400 located on the open first side of the module frame 200 is the first sealing assembly 410, and the sealing assembly 400 located on the open second side of the module frame 200 is the first sealing assembly 410. 2 may be a sealing assembly (450).

The sealing assembly 400 may separate the open first and second sides of the module frame 200 from the external environment. Specifically, when refrigerant is injected into the module frame 200, which will be described later, the sealing assembly 400 may serve to seal the refrigerant to prevent it from leaking to the outside.

The sealing assembly 400 may include a sealing cover and an inlet 421 and an outlet 461 through which refrigerant flows. Specifically, the refrigerant may flow into the module frame 200 through the inlet 421 and then be discharged outside the battery module 100 through the outlet 461. The refrigerant may directly contact the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar assembly 300 mounted inside the module frame 200 and receive heat generated therefrom. The end plate 500 may be formed to cover the sealing assembly 400 by being positioned on the open first side (x-axis direction) and the second side (-x-axis direction) of the module frame 200. The end plate 500 located on the open first side of the module frame 200 is the first end plate 510, and the end plate 500 located on the open second side of the module frame 200 is the first end plate 510. 2 It may be an end plate 550.

This end plate 500 can physically protect the battery cell stack 120 and other electrical components from external shock.

Figure 10 is a perspective view showing the refrigerant is located within the battery module.

Referring to FIG. 10, in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the refrigerant (C) flows into the module frame 200 through the inlet 421 and then flows into the battery module (C) through the outlet 461. 100) It can be discharged to the outside. At this time, the refrigerant (C) may be a fluid. However, since the refrigerant C is in direct contact with the refrigerant, the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar assembly 300 within the battery module 100, it needs to be electrically insulated. Therefore, the refrigerant (C) may be a material that has insulating properties. As an example, the refrigerant (C) may be insulating oil.

As described above, the refrigerant (C) is in direct contact with the battery cell stack 120, other electrical components, and the bus bar assembly 300 that generate heat within the battery module 100, and transfers heat to them. It can be cooled. Therefore, compared to indirectly cooling the battery module conventionally using a heat sink, etc., cooling efficiency can be improved, and the lifespan of the battery can be extended.

Below, each sub-battery module constituting the battery module 100 of this embodiment will be described in more detail.

Figure 11 is a perspective view of the battery module excluding the module frame of Figure 8. Figure 12 is a perspective view of a sub-module constituting a battery module according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 13 is an exploded view of the submodule of Figure 12. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 10 viewed along the x-axis. Figure 15 is a perspective view of the battery module in Figure 11 with a side plate added. Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the battery module of Figure 15. FIG. 17 is a diagram showing FIG. 15 being inserted into a module frame.

Referring to FIGS. 11 to 17 , the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first sub-module 100a and a second sub-module 100b. Specifically, the battery module 100 may be a first sub-module 100a and a second sub-module 100b electrically coupled to each other.

The first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b each include a battery cell stack 120 in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a bus bar 330 electrically connected to the battery cell stack 120. and a bus bar assembly 300 including a bus bar frame 310 that covers the battery cell stack 120 on at least one side.

That is, the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b each include the same configuration, and the following description will focus on the first sub-module 100a.

Referring to Figures 12 and 13, the first sub-module 100a is a first battery cell stack 120a in which a plurality of battery cells 110 are stacked, and the front surface (x-axis) of the first battery cell stack 120a a first bus bar assembly (300a) covering the (-x-axis direction) and the rear (-x-axis direction), and a first flexible printed circuit board (FPCB) electrically connected to the first bus bar assembly (300a) Includes (350a).

The first battery cell stack 120a includes a plurality of first battery cells 110a, a first cooling fin 210a located between the plurality of first battery cells 110a, and a first outermost battery cell 110a. ) includes a first compression pad (250a) provided on one side of the.

The first cooling fin 210a may be located between the plurality of first battery cells 110a. For example, the first cooling fin 210a may be located every two first battery cells 110a. Specifically, one first cooling fin 210a and the other neighboring first cooling fin 210a may be positioned with two first battery cells 110a between them.

The first cooling fin 210a may include a first plate 211a in contact with one side of the first battery cell 110a. Here, one side of the first battery cell 110a may be one side of the battery cell 110 extending along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a.

One side of the first plate 211a may be in contact with one side of the first battery cell 110a facing the first plate 211a. The other surface of the first plate 211a may be in contact with one surface of another neighboring first battery cell 110a while facing the other surface of the first plate 211a. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, an adhesive member is interposed between the side of the first battery cell 110a and the first plate 211a, so that the first battery cell 110a and the first plate 211a can be fixed by adhesive. For example, the adhesive member may be an insulating tape.

The upper surface (z-axis direction) of the first plate 211a may be in contact with the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the module frame 200 of FIG. 17, and the lower surface of the first plate 211a may be in contact with the module frame 200 of FIG. 17. ) can be in contact with the lower surface (-z-axis direction). Accordingly, the first cooling fin 210a can be fixedly positioned within the module frame 200, whereby the first battery cell 110a attached to the first cooling fin 210a is also positioned within the module frame 200. It can be positioned fixedly in.

The size of the first plate 211a may be larger than the size of the first battery cell 110a. That is, the height (z-axis direction) of the first plate 211a may be greater than the height of the first battery cell 110a. In this case, the first battery cell 110a may be attached to the first plate 211a and positioned as if floating inside the module frame 200 without being in contact with the module frame 200. Specifically, the top and bottom of the first battery cell 110a may be positioned at a certain height from the top and bottom of the module frame 200 and in contact with the first plate 211a. More specifically, when the height (z-axis direction) of the first plate 211a is higher than the height (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell 110a, the first battery cell 110a is connected to the first plate 211a. It can be fixed by adhesive while located in the center of the.

The first cooling fin 210a may further include a first plate 211a and a first protrusion 213a where one end of the first plate 211a protrudes. Specifically, referring to FIG. 13, the first cooling fin 210a is a first plate 211a having a side corresponding to or larger than one side of the first battery cell 110a, and the first cooling fin 210a of the first plate 211a. It may include a first protrusion 213a protruding from one end to be parallel to the stacking direction (y-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a.

The first protrusion 213a may be an area protruding in a direction perpendicular to the first plate 211a. The first protrusion 213a may be an area that protrudes and extends parallel to the stacking direction of the first battery cell stack. The first protrusion 213a may contact the upper and/or lower surfaces of the module frame 200. Specifically, one side of the first protrusion 213a may be positioned facing the top or bottom of the first battery cell 110a, and the other side of the first protrusion 213a may be positioned against the bottom or top surface of the module frame 200. You can access it. For example, the first cooling fin 210a may have an L shape. Because of this, the first cooling fin 210a can be more firmly fixed and positioned within the module frame 200.

More specifically, one surface of the first protrusion 213a may be positioned facing the first battery cell 110a. That is, one surface of the first protrusion 213a is located facing the top of the first battery cell 110a, and the top and bottom of the first battery cell 110a are at a certain height from the top and bottom surfaces of the module frame 200. It can be positioned by being adhesively fixed to the first plate 211a. In other words, a certain space may be provided between the upper surface of the module frame 200 and the upper part of the first battery cell 110a, and between the lower surface of the module frame 200 and the lower part of the first battery cell 110a, Refrigerant (C) can move into the space. In this case, the distance between the upper surface of the module frame 200 and the upper part of the first battery cell 110a may correspond to the distance between the lower surface of the module frame 200 and the lower part of the first battery cell 110a.

The other surface of the first protrusion 213a may be in contact with the upper surface of the module frame 200. Specifically, the other surface of the first protrusion 213a may be adhesively fixed while contacting the upper surface of the module frame 200, whereby the first cooling fin 210a is more firmly fixed within the module frame 200. can be located 13 and 14, the protrusion 213a of the cooling fin 210a is described based on being located between the upper surface of the module frame 200 and the upper part of the first battery cell 110a. However, the first cooling fin 210a The protrusion may be located between the lower surface of the module frame 200 and the lower part of the first battery cell 110a.

However, the shape of the first cooling fin 210a is not limited to this drawing, and may be a flat plate shape, and protrusions may be located both above and below the first cooling fin 210a. That is, the shape of the first cooling fin 210a can be any shape as long as it can fix the first battery cell 110a while contacting the first battery cell 110a.

The first cooling fin 210a may be metal. Specifically, the first cooling fin 210a may be a metal with high thermal conductivity. Accordingly, the first cooling fin 210a can directly receive heat generated in the first battery cell 110a by charging and discharging the battery. When heat is generated, the heat is transferred to the first cooling fin (210a) in contact with the side of the first battery cell (110a), thereby cooling the first battery cell (110a) primarily, and the refrigerant (C) is transferred to the first battery (110a). It may be secondaryly cooled by direct contact with the top and bottom of the cell 110a. As a result, direct cooling is possible even in the upper and lower edge areas of the battery cell, which were relatively difficult to cool in the past, and the cooling efficiency of the battery can be improved.

The first compression pad 250a may be located on the outermost side of the first battery cell stack 120a. The first compression pad 250a may serve to absorb swelling of the first battery cell 110a due to charging and discharging. Specifically, the first compression pad 250a pushes the side portion (y-axis direction and -y-axis direction) of the module frame 200 as the first battery cell 110a swells, thereby compressing the first battery cell 110a. By preventing the battery case from breaking, the safety of the battery module 100 can be improved.

However, the first compression pad 250a is not limited to being located only on the outermost part of the first battery cell stack 120a, and the first battery cell 110a constituting the first battery cell stack 120a It can also be located in between.

The first bus bar assembly 300a includes a first bus bar frame 310a and a first bus bar 330a mounted on the first bus bar frame 310a.

The first bus bar frame 310a is located on the front and/or rear of the first battery cell stack 120a along the x-axis direction, and covers the front and/or back of the first battery cell stack 120a. It may be used to cover and guide the connection between the first battery cell stack 120a and an external device. The first bus bar frame 300a may be located on the front (x-axis direction) and rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a. A first bus bar 330a may be mounted on the first bus bar frame 300a. For a specific example, referring to FIGS. 11 and 15, the inner surface of the first bus bar frame 310a is the front (x-axis direction) and rear (-x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a. connected, and the outer surface of the first bus bar frame 310a may be connected to the first bus bar 330a.

The first bus bar frame 310a may include an electrically insulating material. The first bus bar frame 310a may limit contact with other parts of the first battery cells 110a other than the part where the first bus bar 330a is joined to the electrode lead (not shown), and may cause electrical short-circuiting. This can be prevented from occurring.

The first bus bar 330a is mounted on one side of the first bus bar frame 310a and electrically connects the first battery cell stack 120a or the first battery cells 110a and an external device circuit. It may be for. The first bus bar 330a is located on the first bus bar frame 310a, and the first bus bar assembly 300a is covered by the sealing assembly 400 and the end plate 500, which will be described later, so that it is protected from external shocks, etc. It can be protected from damage, and durability degradation due to external moisture or foreign substances can be minimized.

The first bus bar 330a may be electrically connected to the first battery cell stack 120a through the electrode lead of the first battery cell 110a. Specifically, the electrode lead of the first battery cell 110a may be bent after passing through a slit formed in the first bus bar frame 300a and connected to the first bus bar 330a. The first battery cells 110a constituting the first battery cell stack 120a may be connected in series or parallel by the first bus bar 330a.

The first flexible printed circuit board 350a is configured to extend and be mounted in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a to sense the first battery cell 110a. That is, as shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is seated on the top (z-axis direction) of the first battery cell stack 120a and electrically connects the first battery cell 110a. , thermal data can be sensed. Additionally, the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is bent toward the first bus bar frame 310a at the end of the first battery cell stack 120a and is electrically connected to the first bus bar 330a.

The first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b having the above configuration are electrically connected to each other to form one battery module 100.

Referring to FIGS. 11, 15, and 16, the battery module 100 according to this embodiment has a first sub-module 100a and a second sub-module 100b extending in the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery cell. Accordingly, they can be formed by being electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the first bus bar assembly 300a located at the other end of the first sub-module 100a and the second bus bar assembly 300b located at one end of the second sub-module 100b are electrically connected. , the battery module 100 according to this embodiment can be formed. In this case, referring to FIG. 16 , the first bus bar assembly 300a and the second bus bar assembly 300b may be electrically connected to each other through a connection cable 380. The connection cable 380 will be described in more detail later with reference to FIG. 18.

15 and 16, side plates 230 may be provided on both sides of one battery module 100 formed by electrically connecting the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b. there is.

The side plate 230 may be a plate extending along the longitudinal direction (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100. Specifically, the length of the side plate 230 may correspond to the length of the battery module 100. Additionally, the length of the side plate 230 may correspond to the sum of the lengths of the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b. Here, the meaning that the length corresponds may mean that it is the same as the length of the battery module or is within an error range of about 10% at the same value.

The side plate 230 includes the first outermost battery cell 110a of the first sub-module 100a and the second outermost battery cell 110b of the second sub-module 100b constituting the battery module 100. They can be positioned facing each other. In addition, the side plate 230 faces the first compression pad 250a of the first sub-module 100a and the second compression pad 250b of the second sub-module 100b constituting the battery module 100. can be located

The side plate 230 may be made of rigid metal. The side plate 230 is the uppermost part of the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b when the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b are inserted and mounted into the module frame 200. It may serve to protect the outer battery cells 110a and 110b or the compression pads 250a and 250b.

In addition, since the battery cell stacks 120a and 120b constituting the battery module 100 of this embodiment are longer than a typical battery cell stack, it may not be easy to insert them into the module frame 200 and assemble them. there is. In this case, referring to FIGS. 15 to 17, the side plate 230 guides the battery cell stack 120 constituting the battery module 100 of this embodiment to be inserted into the module frame 200, It is possible to easily assemble the battery module without damaging the battery cell 110 and the compression pads 250a and 250b.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the interior of area A1 in FIG. 11. FIG. 19 is a diagram showing area A2 of FIG. 11.

Referring to FIG. 18, a connection cable 380 is provided between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, so that the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b are connected to each other. Can be electrically connected. The connection cable 380 may be a flexible flat cable (FFC).

The connection cable 380 may connect the first flexible printed circuit board 350a located in the first sub-module 100a and the second flexible printed circuit board 350b located in the second sub-module 100b. At this time, the first bus bar frame 310a, where the first flexible printed circuit board 350a is located, and the second bus bar frame 310b, where the second flexible printed circuit board 350b is located, are each composed of an insulating material. Therefore, other components other than the bus bar 330, the connection cable 380, and the flexible printed circuit board 350 that electrically connect the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b can be insulated. .

As described above, by connecting the first flexible printed circuit board 350a and the second flexible printed circuit board 350b through the connection cable 380, the first battery cell stack 120a is formed simply with a cable without any additional configuration. ) and the second battery cell stack 120b can be electrically connected, thereby reducing the overall volume of the battery module 100. Accordingly, the energy density of the battery can be increased and the space utilization rate of the battery can be improved. Additionally, installation space for the battery module 100 can be secured, and driving performance and fuel efficiency can be improved when the battery module 100 is installed in a device such as a car.

Referring to FIG. 19, the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b may be electrically connected by connecting electrode leads 130 to each other. Specifically, the first electrode lead 130a of the first sub-module 100a and the second electrode lead 130b of the second sub-module 100b may overlap and be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the first electrode lead 130a and the second electrode lead 130b may be electrically connected while contacting each other with adjacent bus bars 330. That is, the first electrode lead 130a, the second electrode lead 130b, and the bus bar 330 may be welded and electrically connected to each other.

Here, the first electrode lead 130a and the second electrode lead 130b, which are electrically connected to each other, are electrode leads protruding from the outermost battery cells of the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, respectively. You can. 11 and 19, the first electrode lead 130a and the second electrode lead 130b are shown connected to each other on the other side (-x-axis direction) and one side (x-axis direction) of the battery module 100. However, it is not limited to this.

Specifically, in this drawing, the first electrode lead 130a protrudes from the outermost battery cell of the first sub-module 100a to the other side (-x-axis direction), and the outermost battery cell of the second sub-module 100b. The second electrode leads 130b protruding to one side (x-axis direction) correspond to each other and may be electrically connected to each other. In this case, the first electrode lead 130a and the second electrode lead 130b may have different polarities.

Electrode leads that are not electrically connected between the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b may be connected to other electrical components or battery packs. That is, the first electrode lead 130a protruding to one side (x-axis direction) of the first sub-module 100a and the second electrode lead 130a protruding to the other side (-x-axis direction) of the second sub-module 100b ( 130b) may be located electrically connected to other electrical equipment or battery packs.

As described above, when the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b are electrically connected, the electrical connection relationship of the electrode leads and the current movement path will be described in detail below.

Figure 20 is a diagram showing the movement path of current in the battery module.

Referring to FIG. 20, in the electrically connected first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b, the end extending in the x-axis direction is defined as one end, and the end extending in the -x-axis direction is defined as one end. It is defined as the other end, and the area where the first sub-module 100a and the second sub-module 100b are electrically connected can be defined as the connection area A3. Below, the connection structure of the electrode leads and the flow of current at one end, the other end, and the connection area A3 will be described in detail.

The first outermost electrode lead 130a1 located at one end of the first sub-module 100a and the first electrode lead 130a6 located adjacent thereto are electrically connected to the outside to form the first sub-module 100a. And current may be supplied to the second sub-module 100b. In this case, the current is supplied to the first sub-module 100a from the outside, but since the first electrode lead 130a and the second electrode lead 130b are electrically connected in the connection area A3, the current is supplied to the second sub-module 100a. It may also flow to the module 100b.

In the connection area A3, first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 located at the outermost side of the first battery cell stack 120a of the first sub-module 100a based on the stacking direction (y-axis direction), The second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 located at the outermost portion of the second battery cell stack 120b of the second sub-module 100b in the stacking direction (y-axis direction) are electrically connected to each other. Specifically, the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 located at the other end of the first sub-module 100a are the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 located at one end of the second sub-module 100b. ) is electrically connected to.

In this case, the electrode leads in the connection area A3 except for the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 and the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 may be electrically connected to neighboring electrode leads. More specifically, at the other end of the first sub-module 100a, the first electrode leads excluding the outermost first electrode leads 130a2 and 130a3 may be electrically connected to each other while pairing with neighboring first electrode leads. . At one end of the second sub-module 100b, similarly, the second electrode leads excluding the outermost second electrode leads 130b1 and 130b5 may be electrically connected to neighboring second electrode leads while forming a pair.

At one end of the first sub-module 100a excluding the connection area A3, the remaining first electrode leads 130a1 and the adjacent first electrode lead 130a6 are electrically connected to an external power source. Electrode leads may be electrically connected to each other. For example, adjacent first electrode leads may be electrically connected in pairs.

At the other end of the second sub-module 100b excluding the connection area A3, adjacent second electrode leads may be electrically connected to each other. For example, adjacent second electrode leads may be electrically connected in pairs. Here, the second outermost electrode leads 130b2 and 130b4 of the second sub-module 100b may also be electrically connected to each other by pairing with adjacent second electrode leads.

When the electrode leads 130a and 130b are electrically connected as described above, current may move along the electrical connection of the electrode leads 130a and 130b.

That is, the arrows in this drawing indicate the flow of current. However, the flow of current is not limited as described in this drawing, and anything is possible as long as a person skilled in the art can easily change the flow of current by changing the electrical connection of the electrode lead.

Figure 21 is a perspective view showing the first sealing assembly mounted on one side of the module frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 21, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a first sealing assembly 410 mounted on one open side of the module frame 200. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the bus bar assembly 300 electrically connected to the battery cell stack may be located on one open side of the module frame 200, and the first sealing assembly (410) may be mounted while covering the busbar assembly (300).

The first sealing assembly 410 includes a first sealing cover 420 that covers one open side of the module frame 200, an inlet 421, which is a hole formed in the first sealing cover 420, and a first sealing cover 420. ) may include a module connector 430 mounted in one area of the.

The first sealing cover 420 is a plate that covers one open side of the module frame 200, and may have a size corresponding to the size of the open side of the module frame 200. That is, the first sealing cover 420 may be mounted on the module frame 200 while covering one open surface of the module frame 200. As an example, the first sealing cover 420 may be fitted with the module frame 200.

The inlet 421 may be configured to introduce refrigerant into the battery module 100. The inlet 421 may be a hole formed in one area of the first sealing cover 410. The inlet 421 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding from the first sealing cover 420 on the outer surface (x-axis direction) of the first sealing cover 420 . That is, the inlet 421 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding in the opposite direction of the area where the module frame 200 is disposed. The protrusion may be positioned while penetrating the inlet opening 540 formed in the first end plate 510, which will be described later.

The inlet 421 may be located closer to the lower part (-z-axis direction) than the upper part of the first sealing assembly 410. Specifically, the inlet 421 may be located lower than the center of the first sealing assembly 410 based on the height (z-axis direction). This is because, after the refrigerant flows into the module frame 200, the refrigerant fills the inside of the module frame 200 from the bottom to the top without empty space, resulting in the battery cell stack and other materials located inside the module frame 200. This may be to improve the cooling performance of electrical equipment, etc.

However, the inlet 421 may be located on the same line as the outlet 461, which will be described later. For example, the inlet 421 may be located closer to the top of the first sealing assembly 410 than to the bottom. In this case, after the refrigerant flows into the module frame 200, the refrigerant can be filled from the bottom to the top of the module frame 200 without empty space, and can then be discharged to the outside through the outlet 461.

The module connector 430 may detect and control phenomena such as overvoltage, overcurrent, and overheating of the battery cell. The module connector 430 is for a low voltage (LV) connection. Here, the LV connection may mean a sensing connection for detecting and controlling the voltage of a battery cell. The voltage information and temperature information of the battery cell can be transmitted to an external BMS (Battery Management System) through the module connector 430.

The module connector 430 may be mounted on the first sealing cover 420. At this time, the module connector 430 may be mounted by being coupled to the first sealing cover 420 through the coupling member 440. At least a portion of the module connector 430 may be exposed to the outside of the end plate 510, which will be described later, and the end plate 510 may be provided with a module connector opening 530 for this.

The first sealing cover 410 may be provided with a terminal bus bar 340. The terminal bus bar 340 may include a first terminal bus bar 341 and a second terminal bus bar 343, and the first terminal bus bar 341 and the second terminal bus bar 343 have polarity. may be different.

The terminal bus bar 340 may be electrically connected to the bus bar to electrically connect one battery module 100 to another battery module 100. In order to connect one battery module 100 to another external battery module 100, at least a portion of the terminal bus bar 340 may be exposed to the outside of the end plate 510, which will be described later, and the end plate 400 ) may be provided with a terminal bus bar opening 520 for this purpose.

The terminal bus bar 340 may further include a protrusion 345 protruding from the outer surface of the first sealing cover 420. The protrusion 345 may be exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the terminal bus bar opening 520, which will be described later. The terminal bus bar 340 can be connected to another battery module 100 or a battery disconnect unit (BDU) through the protrusion 345 exposed through the terminal bus bar opening 520, and is connected to them by high voltage (HV). can be formed.

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing the process of assembling the first sealing assembly of FIG. 21. Figure 22(a) is a diagram showing the module connector being coupled to the first sealing cover. Figure 22(b) is a diagram showing the sensing unit being coupled to the first sealing cover. Figure 22(c) is a diagram showing that both the module connector and the sensing unit are coupled to the first sealing cover.

Referring to FIG. 22, a module connector 430 is mounted on one side of the first sealing assembly 410, and a sensing unit 360 is mounted on the other side of the first sealing assembly 410, and the module connector 430 and Sensing units 360 may be electrically connected to each other.

Referring to FIG. 22(a), a module connector 430 may be mounted on one surface of the first sealing cover 420. Specifically, the module connector 430 may be mounted on the outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420. The outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420 faces the end plate 510 (see FIG. 24), which will be described later, and may not face the module frame 200 (see FIG. 21).

The module connector 430 may be mounted and positioned in the fourth area A4, which is one area of the outer surface 420a of the first sealing cover 420. The fourth area (A4) is an area corresponding to the size of the module connector 430, and a hole penetrating the first sealing cover 420 is provided in the center of the fourth area (A4). ) may be provided with a groove in which the coupling member 440 can be mounted at the vertex. In this case, a coupling member 440 may be provided at the vertex of the module connector 430, and the coupling member 440 may be located in an area corresponding to the groove of the fourth area A4. Accordingly, the coupling member 440 can be coupled to the groove in the fourth area A4, and thereby the module connector 430 can be mounted in the fourth area A4.

The coupling member 440 may be any material that couples and secures the module connector 430 to the fourth area A4, and may be, for example, a bolt, nut, or rivet.

Referring to FIGS. 22(b) and 22(c), a sensing unit 360 may be mounted on the other surface of the first sealing cover 420. Specifically, the sensing unit 360 may be mounted on the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420. The inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420 faces the module frame 200 (see FIG. 21) and may not face the end plate 510 (see FIG. 24), which will be described later.

The sensing unit 360 may include a sensing printed circuit board 361 and a sensing cable 363 electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be electrically connected to the module connector 430. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located in an area corresponding to the module connector 430. Specifically, the sensing printed circuit board 361 may be located in the fourth area A4. The sensing printed circuit board 361 may be positioned while being electrically connected to the module connector 430 through a hole in the fourth area A4.

The sensing cable 363 is a cable electrically connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361 and may include a cable connection portion 363a and a cable extension portion 363b.

The cable connection portion 363a is connected to the sensing printed circuit board 361 and may be located in contact with the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420. The cable connection portion 363a is fixedly positioned while in contact with the inner surface 420b of the first sealing cover 420, and may not move arbitrarily within the battery module 100, causing damage to components.

Specifically, the cable connection part 363a extends from the sensing printed circuit board 361 to the lower part of the first sealing cover 420, and may be bent and extended from the lower part of the first sealing cover 420. At this time, the part bent from the lower part of the first sealing cover 420 and extending from the cable connection part 363a may be defined as the cable extension part 363b.

The cable extension portion 363b may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board 350 located in the bus bar assembly, which will be described later with reference to FIG. 22.

FIG. 23 is a diagram showing a process in which the first sealing assembly of FIG. 21 is mounted on one surface of the module frame. Figure 23(a) is a diagram showing a sensing cable being electrically connected to a flexible printed circuit board. Figure 23(b) is a view showing the first sealing assembly being coupled to the module frame. Figure 23(c) is a view showing sealing the first sealing assembly and the module frame.

Referring to FIGS. 22(c) and 23(a), the sensing cable 363 may be electrically connected to the flexible printed circuit board 350 located in the busbar assembly. In this case, the sensing cable 363 can transmit voltage information and temperature information of the battery cell obtained from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the sensing printed circuit board 361. In this case, the sensing printed circuit board 361 can transmit battery cell information obtained from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the module connector 430. That is, the sensing unit 360 can transmit battery cell data obtained from the flexible printed circuit board 350 to the module connector 430.

Accordingly, the module connector 430 can transmit data obtained from the flexible printed circuit board 350 and the sensing unit 360 to a BMS (Battery Management System), and the BMS manages the battery cells based on the collected voltage data. Charging and discharging can be controlled.

Referring to FIGS. 23(a) and 23(b), the first sealing cover 420 may be mounted on the module frame 200 while covering one open surface of the module frame 200. As an example, the first sealing cover 420 may be fitted with the module frame 200. In this case, the edge of the first sealing cover 420 may include a protrusion that partially protrudes toward the direction in which it is coupled to the module frame 200. At this time, the edge of the module frame 200 coupled to the first sealing cover 420 may have a step formed so that the edge protrusion of the first sealing cover 420 can be inserted. Accordingly, the first sealing cover 420 and the module frame 200 may be fitted together.

Referring to FIG. 23(c), when the first sealing cover 420 and the open side of the module frame 200 are coupled to each other, a first seal along the edge of the first sealing cover 420 and the module frame 200 A sealing member 610 may be interposed. When the first sealing cover 420 and the module frame 200 are combined, a fine gap may appear between them due to assembly tolerances, and this is sealed with the first sealing member 610 to increase the sealing force of the battery module 100. It is intended to improve. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, leakage of gas occurring inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, and the discharge direction of the gas can also be controlled, making it possible to control the battery module ( 100) safety can be improved. Although shown in FIG. 23(c) as being exposed to the outside to indicate the first sealing member 610, the first sealing member 610 may be interposed between the module frame 200 and the first sealing cover 420. You can.

In this case, the first sealing member 610 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

Although not shown in this drawing, after the first sealing assembly 410 is coupled to the module frame 200 and the edges are sealed with the first sealing member 610, other gaps existing in the first sealing assembly 410 may be sealed with a second sealing member 620 (see FIGS. 25 and 26). That is, the second sealing member 620 is positioned to fill the gap between the module frame 200 and the first sealing assembly 410, excluding the area sealed by the first sealing member 610. You can. This uses the second sealing member 620 to seal parts other than the edge of the first sealing assembly 410 that cannot be sealed with the first sealing member 610, thereby improving the sealing force of the battery module 100. It is to improve. The second sealing member 620 will be described in more detail with reference to FIGS. 25 and 26.

Figure 24 is an exploded perspective view showing the first end plate mounted on the first sealing assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 24, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the first end plate 510 may be positioned while covering the first sealing assembly 410.

The first end plate 510 may include a terminal bus bar opening 520, a module connector opening 530, and an inlet opening 540.

The terminal bus bar opening 520 is an opening provided in the first end plate 510. Specifically, the terminal bus bar opening 520 may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the position of the terminal bus bar 340 provided in the first sealing assembly 410.

The terminal bus bar opening 520 is a protrusion that protrudes from the first end plate 510 toward the outside of the battery module 100, and may be configured so that only the upper surface (z-axis direction) of the protrusion is open. That is, although not shown in this drawing, the terminal bus bar opening 520 may be exposed in the z-axis direction, and through this, the protrusion may be exposed to the outside. In this case, a portion of the terminal bus bar 340 may be exposed to the outside through the upper surface of the protrusion.

The size of the terminal bus bar opening 520 may be mainly determined by the circumferential size of the terminal bus bar 340. However, for ease of assembly or for manufacturing process reasons, the size of the terminal bus bar opening 520 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the terminal bus bar 340, and in this case, the terminal bus bar opening 520 A gap may occur between and the terminal bus bar 340 exposed to the outside.

The module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 are openings provided in the first end plate 510 and are holes that penetrate the first end plate 510. Specifically, the module connector opening 530 may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the position of the module connector 430 provided in the first sealing assembly 410, and the inlet opening 540 may be an opening formed in the first sealing assembly 410. ) may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the position of the inlet 421 provided in the area. In this case, the module connector 430 is positioned while passing through the module connector opening 530, and the inlet 421 is positioned while passing through the inlet opening 540, so that at least a portion of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421 It may be exposed to the outside.

The sizes of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 may be mainly determined by the circumferential sizes of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421. However, for ease of assembly or for reasons of the manufacturing process, the sizes of the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 may be larger than the sizes of the exposed portions of the module connector 430 and the inlet 421. At this time, a gap may occur between the module connector opening 530 and the inlet opening 540 and the module connector 430 and the inlet 421 exposed to the outside.

The terminal bus bar 340 and the module connector 430 are exposed to the outside through the terminal bus bar opening 520 and the module connector opening 530, respectively, so that HV connection and LV connection with external electrical equipment can be easily performed. there is. Accordingly, assembly process efficiency can be improved.

The inlet 421 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the inlet opening 540, so when the refrigerant is injected into the module frame 200 through the inlet 421, the refrigerant is injected into the first sealing assembly 410. ) and the first end plate 510 can be prevented from leaking. Accordingly, the refrigerant may not come into contact with the terminal bus bar 340 or the module connector 430 that makes electrical connection to the outside. That is, a short circuit between the components may not occur, and the safety of the battery module 100 may be improved.

A third sealing member 630 may be interposed between the first end plate 510 and the first sealing assembly 410.

The third sealing member 630 may have a shape corresponding to the edge of the first sealing assembly 410 or the edge of the first end plate 510. The third sealing member 630 may be a resin that is applied and then cured to correspond to the edge of the first sealing assembly 410 or the edge of the first end plate 510. Specifically, the third sealing member 630 may be applied to the first groove 411, which is a groove formed along the edge of the first sealing assembly 410, and the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 ) can be combined and then hardened. For example, the third sealing member 630 may be made of epoxy resin.

That is, the third sealing member 630 is interposed between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510, so that the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510 are separated due to assembly tolerances. They can be joined without any gaps forming.

Accordingly, the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved to prevent leakage of the refrigerant located within the battery module 100, and the cooling performance of the battery module 100 can be improved. Additionally, within the battery module 100, the venting direction can be adjusted while preventing venting gas generated above a certain temperature and pressure from being discharged to the outside through gaps, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

However, the type and forming method of the third sealing member 630 are not limited to those described above, and may have a form such as a gasket formed of an elastic member, and may include the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate. Any material that can play the role of sealing (510) is possible.

FIG. 25 is a view of the first end plate mounted on the first sealing assembly viewed in the -x-axis direction of FIG. 24. Figure 26 is a diagram showing area A5 cut along line B-B' in Figure 25.

25 and 26, the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630 are located along the edge of the first sealing assembly 410, and the first sealing member 630 is located in one area of the first sealing assembly 410. 2 It can be seen that the sealing member 620 is located.

Regarding the second sealing member 620, referring to FIG. 26, the second sealing member 620 may be located in an area excluding the edge area of the first sealing assembly 410. That is, the second sealing member 620 can seal the remaining area of the first sealing assembly 410 that is not covered by the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630. Specifically, the second sealing member 620 may seal an area in the first sealing assembly 410 where there is a gap. However, the area where the second sealing member 620 is located is not limited to the area shown in this drawing. For example, the second sealing member 620 may seal a portion of the first sealing assembly 410 where the module connector 430 is coupled with a gap.

As a result, in addition to the edge portion of the first sealing assembly 410, the portion where the gap is additionally located is sealed by the second sealing member 620, so that the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved and the battery module 100 Leakage of the refrigerant located inside can be prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100. In addition, since the gas generated inside the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged through the gap between the first sealing assembly 410 and the first end plate 510, the safety of the battery module 100 is improved. It can be improved.

Figure 27 is a diagram showing the second sealing assembly mounted on the other surface of the module frame according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 27, the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a second sealing assembly 450 mounted on the other open surface of the module frame 200. Specifically, in the battery module 100 according to this embodiment, the bus bar assembly electrically connected to the battery cell stack may be located on the other open side of the module frame 200, and the second sealing assembly 450 Can be mounted while covering the busbar assembly.

The second sealing assembly 450 may include a second sealing cover 460 that covers the open surface of the module frame 200, and an outlet 461, which is a hole formed in the second sealing cover 420.

The second sealing cover 460 is a plate that covers the open surface of the module frame 200, and may have a size corresponding to the size of the open surface of the module frame 200. Here, the meaning that the size corresponds may mean that the error range is approximately 10% based on the size of the other open side of the module frame 200 or the same size. That is, the second sealing cover 460 may be mounted on the module frame 200 while covering the other open side of the module frame 200. As an example, the second sealing cover 460 may be fitted with the module frame 200.

The outlet 461 may discharge the refrigerant flowing into the battery module 100 through the inlet out of the battery module 100.

The outlet 461 may be a hole formed in one area of the second sealing cover 460. The outlet 461 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding from the outer surface (-x-axis direction) of the second sealing cover 460. That is, the outlet 461 may be a hole including a protrusion protruding in the opposite direction of the module frame 200. The protrusion may be positioned while penetrating the outlet opening 560 formed in the second end plate 550, which will be described later.

The outlet 461 may be located close to the upper part (z-axis direction) of the second sealing assembly 450. Specifically, the outlet 461 may be located above the center of the second sealing assembly 450 based on its height. However, the location of the outlet 461 is not limited to this, but may be provided at a higher position than the inlet 421 described in FIG. 20.

Specifically, the outlet 461 may be provided at a higher position than the inlet 421. Alternatively, the outlet 461 may be provided on the same line as the inlet 421. In this case, the inlet 421 and the outlet 461 are both located in the central portion of the first sealing cover 420 and the second sealing cover 460. It may be located higher (z-axis direction). This is to ensure that after the refrigerant flows into the module frame 200, the refrigerant is filled from the bottom to the top of the module frame 200 without empty space and is then discharged to the outside through the outlet 461. If the inlet 421 and the outlet 461 are located lower (in the -z-axis direction) than the central portion of the first sealing cover 420 and the second sealing cover 460, the refrigerant is inside the module frame 200. Even if it flows into the system, cooling efficiency may be reduced because it does not come into contact with the battery cell stack and other electrical components.

Accordingly, if the inlet 421 and the outlet 461 are located on the same line, it would be preferable for them to be located above the first sealing cover 420 and the second sealing cover 460, and the inlet 421 and If the outlets 461 are not located on the same line, it would be preferable for the inlet 421 to be provided at a lower position than the outlet 461.

When the second sealing assembly 450 and the other open side of the module frame 200 are coupled to each other, the first sealing member 610 may be interposed along the edge of the second sealing cover 460 and the module frame 200. there is. This is because when the second sealing cover 460 and the module frame 200 are combined, a fine gap may occur between them due to assembly tolerances, and this is sealed with the sealing member 600 to increase the sealing force of the battery module 100. It is to improve. Therefore, leakage of the refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, leakage of venting gas occurring inside the battery module 100 can be prevented, and the discharge direction of the gas can also be controlled, making it possible to control the discharge direction of the gas. The safety of (100) can be improved.

In this case, the first sealing member 610 may be, for example, an adhesive tape.

Although not shown in this drawing, after the second sealing assembly 450 is coupled to the module frame 200 and the edges are sealed with the first sealing member 610, a gap exists on the second sealing assembly 450. may be sealed with a second sealing member 620 (see FIG. 29). This uses the second sealing member 620 to seal parts other than the edge of the second sealing assembly 450 that cannot be sealed with the first sealing member 610, thereby improving the sealing force of the battery module 100. It is to improve. The second sealing member 620 will be described in more detail in FIG. 29.

Figure 28 is an exploded perspective view showing the second end plate mounted on the second seal assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 28, in the battery module 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the second end plate 550 may be positioned while covering the second sealing assembly 450.

The second end plate 550 may include an outlet opening 560.

The outlet opening 560 is an opening provided in the second end plate 550 and is a hole that penetrates the second end plate 550. Specifically, the outlet opening 560 may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the location of the outlet 461 provided in the second sealing assembly 450. In this case, the outlet 461 is positioned while passing through the outlet opening 560, so at least a portion of the outlet 461 may be exposed to the outside.

The size of the outlet opening 560 may be mainly determined by the circumferential size of the outlet 461. However, for ease of assembly or due to manufacturing process reasons, the size of the outlet opening 560 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the outlet 461, and in this case, the outlet exposed to the outside of the outlet opening 560 A gap may occur between (461).

The outlet 461 is exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 through the outlet opening 560, so when the refrigerant located inside the module frame 200 is discharged through the outlet 461, the refrigerant flows into the second sealing assembly. It is possible to prevent liquid from leaking between 450 and the second end plate 550. Accordingly, the refrigerant does not come into contact with other electrical components, so a short circuit may not occur, and the safety of the battery module 100 may be improved.

A third sealing member 630 may be interposed between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550.

The third sealing member 630 may have a shape corresponding to the edge of the second sealing assembly 450 or the edge of the second end plate 550. The third sealing member 630 may be a resin that is applied and then cured to correspond to the edge of the second sealing assembly 450 or the edge of the second end plate 550. Specifically, the third sealing member 630 may be applied to the second groove 451, which is a groove formed along the edge of the second sealing assembly 450, and the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 ) can be combined and then hardened. For example, the third sealing member 630 may be made of epoxy resin.

That is, the third sealing member 630 is interposed between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550, so that the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 are separated due to assembly tolerances. They can be joined without any gaps forming.

Accordingly, the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved and leakage of the refrigerant located within the battery module 100 is prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery. Additionally, within the battery module 100, the venting direction can be adjusted while preventing venting gas generated above a certain temperature and pressure from being discharged to the outside through gaps, thereby improving the safety of the battery module 100.

The type and forming method of the third sealing member 630 are not limited to those described above, and may have a gasket-like shape formed of an elastic member, and the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550 ), anything that can serve as a sealer is possible.

FIG. 29 is a view of the second end plate mounted on the second sealing assembly viewed in the -x-axis direction of FIG. 28. Figure 30 is a diagram showing area A6 cut along C-C' of Figure 29.

29 and 30, the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630 are located along the edge of the second sealing assembly 450, and the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630 are located in one area of the second sealing assembly 450. 2 It can be seen that the sealing member 620 is located.

Regarding the second sealing member 620, referring to FIG. 30, the second sealing member 620 may be located in one area excluding the edge area of the second sealing assembly 450. That is, the second sealing member 620 can seal the remaining area of the second sealing assembly 450 that is not covered by the first sealing member 610 and the third sealing member 630. Specifically, the second sealing member 620 may seal an area in the first sealing assembly 410 where there is a gap. However, the area where the second sealing member 620 is located is not limited to the area shown in this drawing.

As a result, in addition to the edge portion of the second sealing assembly 450, the portion where the gap is additionally located is sealed by the second sealing member 620, so that the sealing force of the battery module 100 is improved and the battery module 100 Leakage of the refrigerant located inside can be prevented, thereby improving the cooling performance of the battery module 100. In addition, since the gas generated inside the battery module 100 above a certain temperature and pressure is not discharged through the gap between the second sealing assembly 450 and the second end plate 550, the safety of the battery module 100 is improved. It can be improved.

Figure 31 is an exploded perspective view of a second sealing assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 32 is a view when FIG. 31 is viewed in the -y-axis direction.

Referring to FIGS. 31 and 32 , the second sealing assembly 450 according to another embodiment of the present invention may further include an outlet 461 and a module venting portion 470. Since the outlet 461 is the same as described above, the following description will focus on the module venting portion 470.

The module venting unit 470 can discharge gas generated inside the battery module 100 to the outside at a certain temperature and pressure or higher. Specifically, the module venting unit 470 can discharge the gas inside the battery module 100 to the outside while preventing the refrigerant inside the battery module 100 from leaking.

The module venting part 470 may be provided in one area of the second sealing cover 460. The module venting unit 470 may include a venting hole 471, a membrane 473, a fixed cover 475, and a venting protrusion 477.

The venting hole 471 may be a passage through which gas generated inside the battery module 100 moves to the outside. The venting hole 471 may be at least one hole provided in one area of the second sealing cover 460. The venting hole 471 may be structurally connected to the module connection portion 472 described later in FIG. 33, which will be described in detail in FIG. 33.

The membrane 473 can discharge gas located inside the battery module 100 to the outside through the venting hole 471, but may be a membrane that prevents the refrigerant from leaking to the outside.

The membrane 473 may be located between the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460 and the fixed cover 475. The membrane 473 may be positioned in contact with the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460. In this case, one side of the membrane 473 may be fixed and in contact with the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460, and the other side of the membrane 473 may be fixed and in contact with one side of the fixed cover 475. can be located.

The fixed cover 475 may primarily allow gas and refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 to pass through. The fixed cover 475 may be located closest to the battery cell stack.

The fixed cover 475 may be positioned in contact with the membrane. Specifically, one side of the fixing cover 475 may be fixed to the other side of the membrane 473 by adhering to it. In this case, the size of the fixed cover 475 may correspond to the size of the membrane 473 or may be larger than the size of the membrane 473.

The fixed cover 475 may be a flat plate with a hole. However, the hole may not be located in the edge area of the fixed cover 475.

If gas is generated inside the battery module, the gas may pass through the membrane 473 through the hole in the fixing cover 475 and be discharged to the outside. Specifically, the gas may sequentially pass through the hole of the fixed cover 475, the membrane 473, and the venting hole 471 and be discharged outside the battery module. However, in this case, if the gas directly contacts the membrane 473, the membrane 473 may be torn or damaged due to pressure. Therefore, in order to prevent this, the hole in the fixing cover 475 may be formed smaller than in the drawing. In other words, damage to the membrane 473 can be prevented by allowing the gas to pass through the membrane 473 in a dispersed state as much as possible through the hole in the fixing cover 475.

The edge area of the fixed cover 475 may contact the membrane 473 and/or the inner surface 460b of the second sealing cover 460. In this case, although not shown in the drawing, an adhesive member may be interposed along the edge area of the fixing cover 475, and the fixing cover 475 is fixed to the second sealing assembly 450 by the adhesive member. can be located. The hole provided in the fixed cover 475 can move gas and refrigerant located inside the battery module 100 to the membrane 473. The hole may be at least one.

The venting protrusion 477 may be a region corresponding to the module venting portion 470 that protrudes toward the outside of the battery module 100 (x-axis direction). The venting protrusion 477 may be an area that protrudes and extends outward from an area where the venting hole 471 is provided. A portion of the venting protrusion 477 may pass through the second end plate 550 and be exposed to the outside, thereby allowing the venting gas to be completely discharged to the outside of the battery module 100. This will be explained in more detail based on FIG. 33.

FIG. 33 is a view showing the second sealing assembly of FIG. 31 combined with the second end plate.

Referring to FIG. 33, when the second end plate 550 is mounted while covering the second sealing assembly 450, the outlet 461 and the module venting portion 470 penetrate through the second end plate 550. At least part of it may be exposed to the outside world.

Specifically, the outlet 461 may be partially exposed to the outside through the outlet opening 560 provided in the second end plate 550, and the module venting portion 470 may be connected to the second end plate 550. A portion may be exposed to the outside through the provided venting opening 570.

Since the outlet 461 and the outlet opening 560 are the same as those described above in FIG. 28, description thereof will be omitted, and the module venting portion 470 and the venting opening 570 will be described in detail below.

The module venting portion 470 includes a venting protrusion 477 that protrudes in a direction opposite to the module frame 200, and the venting protrusion 477 may be provided with a module connection portion 472.

The module connection portion 472 is a hole that communicates with the venting hole 471 described above, and like the venting protrusion 477, a portion of the module connection portion 472 may be exposed to the outside by passing through the second end plate 550. The module connection part 472 is connected to the pack venting part 2000 (FIG. 35) of the battery pack, which will be described later, so that the venting gas moving through the venting hole 471 can be discharged to the outside of the battery module. That is, at least a portion of the module connection portion 472 passes through the second end plate 550 and is exposed to the outside, thereby facilitating assembly with the pack venting portion 2000. Accordingly, the efficiency of the battery assembly process can be improved. Additionally, the venting gas discharged through the module connection portion 472 may not remain in the space between the second end plate 550 and the second sealing assembly 450. That is, since venting gas may not remain inside the battery module 100, the safety of the battery module 100 may be improved.

The venting opening 570 is an opening provided in the second end plate 550 and is a hole that penetrates the second end plate 550. Specifically, the venting opening 570 may be an opening formed in an area corresponding to the location of the venting protrusion 477 provided in the second sealing assembly 450. In this case, the venting protrusion 477 is positioned while passing through the venting opening 570 together with the module connection portion 472, so that at least a portion of the venting protrusion 477 and the module connection portion 472 may be exposed to the outside.

The size of the venting opening 570 may be mainly determined by the circumferential size of the venting protrusion 477. However, for ease of assembly or due to manufacturing process reasons, the size of the venting opening 570 may be larger than the size of the exposed portion of the venting protrusion 477, and in this case, the venting opening 570 and the exposed portion to the outside A gap may occur between the venting protrusions 477.

Figure 34 is a perspective view showing the inside of a battery pack according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 35 is a diagram showing a pack venting portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D' of Figure 34. Figure 37 is a perspective view of Figure 34 viewed in the -z-axis direction.

34 to 37, in the battery pack 1000 according to an embodiment of the present invention, a plurality of battery modules 100 are located in a space defined by an internal beam 1110 within the lower pack frame 1150. When mounted, the plurality of battery modules 100 may be connected to the pack venting unit 2000. Specifically, a module venting unit 470 is provided at the ends of the plurality of battery modules 100, and the module venting unit 470 may be connected to the pack venting unit 2000.

The pack venting unit 2000 may include a direction control unit 2100, a pack connection unit 2200, and an outlet 2300.

Referring to FIGS. 35 to 37 , the direction control unit 2100 may be a pipe that controls the direction of the venting gas and discharges the venting gas to the outside of the battery pack 1000. Specifically, the direction control unit 2100 may be a pipe connected to the outlet 2300 with one end closed but the other end open.

The direction control unit 2100 may be located inside the side pack frame 1150. The direction control unit 2100 extends along the side pack frame to the outlet 2300, so that venting gas can be discharged to the outside through the outlet 2300.

Specifically, the direction control unit 2100 may be located between the outer surface 1151 and the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150. In other words, a space may be formed between the outer surface 1151 and the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150, and the direction control unit 2100 may be located in this space. In this case, referring to FIG. 36, the diameter of the direction control unit 2100 may be equal to or smaller than the width w1 of the side pack frame 1500. However, the location of the direction control unit 2100 is not limited to this. As an example, the direction control unit 2100 may be located outside the side pack frame 1150 and extend along the length of the side pack frame 1150.

The direction control unit 2100 may be connected to the pack connection unit 2200. The pack connection part 2200 may be an area protruding from one side of the direction control part 2100 toward the module venting part 470. In this case, referring to FIG. 35, the direction control unit 2100 and the pack connection unit 2200 may have a manifold shape.

The pack connection unit 2200 may be configured to connect the module venting unit 470 and the pack venting unit 2000. That is, the pack connection unit 2200 may be configured to connect the module venting unit 470 and the direction control unit 2100. Specifically, the pack connection part 2200 is connected to the module venting part 470 to allow gas generated inside the battery module 100 to move to the pack venting part 2000. In this case, the pack connection part 2200 may be connected to the module venting part 470 by fitting, but is not limited to this.

The module venting portion 470 includes a module connection portion 472 exposed to the outside of the battery module 100 and connected to the pack connection portion 2200, and a protrusion 477 that protrudes while surrounding the module connection portion 472. The protrusion 477 may be an area surrounding the module connection portion 472 and protruding from the second sealing assembly 450 in the opposite direction of the module frame 200. The protrusion 477 may physically protect the module connection portion 472 and guide the pack connection portion 2200 to be connected to the module connection portion 472.

When the direction control unit 2100 is located inside the side pack frame 1150, the pack connection part 2200 may be located while penetrating the side pack frame 1150. That is, the pack connection portion 2200 may be positioned while penetrating the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150. In this case, a hole may be provided in a region of the inner surface 1152 of the side pack frame 1150 corresponding to the region where the pack connection portion 2200 is provided. The hole may correspond to the size of the pack connection portion 2200, or may be larger than the size of the pack connection portion 2200 for ease of assembly. Here, the meaning that the sizes correspond may mean that they are the same or that the error range is around 10% based on the same value as the size of the pack connection portion 2200.

The outlet 2300 shown in FIGS. 34 and 37 is connected to the direction control unit 2100 and can discharge gas moving through the direction control unit 2100 to the outside of the battery pack 1000.

The outlet 2300 may be provided in the side pack frame 1150. Referring to FIG. 37, the outlet 2300 may be provided in one area of the side pack frame 1150. Specifically, the outlet 2300 may be provided in an area of the side pack frame 1150 where the pack connection portion 2200 is not located. This may be to set the distance between the direction control unit 2100 and the outlet 2300, that is, the movement path of the venting gas, as long as possible, and relatively reduce the intensity and temperature of the venting gas to discharge it to the outside.

The outlet 2300 may be a member that opens, closes, or ruptures depending on the pressure inside the battery pack 1000.

As an example, the outlet 2300 is connected to the inside of the battery pack 1000, but opens to the outside only when the pressure within the battery pack 1000 exceeds a certain pressure, and is closed when the pressure falls below a certain pressure. It can be composed of: As an example, the outlet 2300 may be a relief valve. However, the outlet 2300 is not limited to this, and any member that can be opened or closed depending on the pressure of the battery pack 1000 can be included in the present embodiment.

As another example, the outlet 2300 may rupture when the pressure inside the battery pack 1000 reaches a certain level or higher. More specifically, the outlet 2300 may include a rupture surface (not shown) configured to rupture when the pressure of the incoming gas exceeds a certain pressure, such as a rupture disk. However, the structure of the outlet 2300 is not limited to this, and any structure that communicates with the direction control unit 2100 and allows internal gas to be discharged to the outside can be included in the present embodiment.

As described above, high-temperature gas and/or flame generated inside the battery module 100 may be discharged to the outside of the battery pack 1000 by moving to the pack venting unit 2000 through the module venting unit 470. Specifically, the high-temperature gas and/or flame introduced through the pack connection unit 2200 moves inside the direction control unit 2100 and finally opens the outlet 2300 at the side frame 1150 where the outlet 2300 is located. It can be discharged to the outside through

Accordingly, the side frame 1150 and the direction control unit 2100 provided inside the side frame 1150 can form a venting path, and high-temperature gas and/or flame moving along the venting path can control the direction. It can be cooled by contacting the inner surface of the unit 2100, and the gas and/or flame cooled by the outlet 2300 can be safely discharged to the outside. Accordingly, the safety of the battery pack 1000 can be improved.

The battery module described above and the battery pack containing it can be applied to various devices. These devices can be applied to transportation means such as electric bicycles, electric cars, and hybrid cars, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be applied to various devices that can use battery modules and battery packs containing them, which are also applicable to the present invention. It falls within the scope of invention rights.

Although the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail above, the scope of the present invention is not limited thereto, and various modifications and improvements made by those skilled in the art using the basic concept of the present invention defined in the following claims are also possible. falls within the scope of rights.

100: battery module
100a: first submodule
100b: second submodule
110: battery cell
120: Battery cell laminate
200: module frame
300: Busbar assembly
400: Sealing assembly
500: End plate
1000: Battery pack
2000: Pack venting

Claims (26)

A first battery cell each comprising a battery cell stack in which a plurality of battery cells are stacked, and a bus bar assembly including a bus bar electrically connecting the battery cells and a bus bar frame that covers the battery cell stack on at least one side. a submodule and a second submodule;
a module frame in which the first sub-module and the second sub-module are accommodated;
a sealing assembly covering both open ends of the module frame; and
Includes an end plate covering the sealing assembly,
A battery module in which one end of the first sub-module and the other end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other. According to paragraph 1,
A cooling fin is located between two neighboring battery cells in the battery cell stack,
The cooling fin is a battery module including a plate that is adhesively fixed to one side of the battery cell. According to paragraph 2,
The cooling fin further includes a protrusion protruding from one end of the plate,
The protrusion is a battery module that protrudes and extends parallel to the stacking direction of the battery cell stack. According to paragraph 3,
The protrusion is located in contact with the upper or lower surface of the module frame,
The other end of the plate is a battery module positioned in contact with the lower or upper part of the module frame. According to paragraph 2,
A battery module in which the upper and lower portions of the battery cell are positioned in contact with the plate while having a certain height from the upper and lower surfaces of the module frame. According to clause 5,
A space is provided between the upper surface of the module frame and the upper part of the battery cell, and between the lower surface of the module frame and the lower part of the battery cell,
A battery module in which refrigerant moves into the space. According to paragraph 1,
A battery module in which a first electrode lead located at the other end of the first sub-module and a second electrode lead located at one end of the second sub-module are electrically connected to each other. In clause 7,
The first electrode lead includes a first outermost electrode lead derived from an outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack constituting the first sub-module,
The second electrode lead is a battery module including a second outermost electrode lead derived from an outermost battery cell of the battery cell stack constituting the second sub-module. According to clause 8,
There are a plurality of first electrode leads, and the first electrode leads excluding the first outermost electrode lead are electrically connected to each other in pairs with neighboring first electrode leads,
The battery module includes a plurality of second electrode leads, and the second electrode leads excluding the second outermost electrode lead are electrically connected to each other in pairs with neighboring second electrode leads. According to paragraph 1,
The sealing assembly includes a first sealing assembly covering an open one end of the module frame, and a second sealing assembly covering the other open end of the module frame,
The first sealing assembly includes an inlet, which is a hole through which refrigerant flows,
The second sealing assembly is a battery module including an outlet, which is a hole through which refrigerant is discharged. According to clause 10,
The inlet is located lower than the center based on the height of the first sealing assembly,
The outlet is a battery module located above the center based on the height of the second sealing assembly. According to clause 10,
The inlet and the outlet are located on the same line,
The inlet is located above the center based on the height of the first sealing assembly,
The outlet is a battery module located above the center based on the height of the second sealing assembly. According to clause 10,
The refrigerant is in direct contact with the battery cell stack and the bus bar assembly stored inside the module frame. According to clause 10,
The refrigerant is an insulated battery module. According to paragraph 1,
A battery module in which a first sealing member is interposed along an edge of the sealing assembly coupled with open both ends of the module frame. According to clause 15,
A battery module wherein the first sealing member is an adhesive tape. According to clause 15,
A battery module comprising a second sealing member positioned to fill a gap between the module frame and the sealing assembly, excluding the area sealed by the first sealing member. According to paragraph 1,
A battery module including a third sealing member disposed along an edge of the sealing assembly and the end plate. According to clause 18,
A battery module in which the third sealing member is an epoxy resin. According to paragraph 1,
The sealing assembly includes a module venting portion provided in one area of the sealing assembly,
The module venting part,
A venting hole penetrating the sealing assembly,
A module connection part, which is a single hole in communication with the venting hole,
A fixed cover provided between the venting hole and the bus bar assembly and fixed to and in contact with the inner surface of the sealing assembly, and
A battery module including a membrane provided between the venting hole and the fixed cover and fixed to and in contact with the fixed cover. According to clause 20,
The module connection portion protrudes from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module frame,
The battery module further includes a venting protrusion surrounding the module connection portion and protruding from the sealing assembly in a direction opposite to the module frame. According to clause 21,
The end plate covering the module connection portion and the sealing assembly provided with the protrusion includes a venting opening,
The venting opening is a hole penetrating the end plate, and the module connection portion and the protrusion are positioned while passing through the venting opening. A battery module according to paragraph 1, and
A battery pack including a pack venting portion connected to the battery module. According to clause 23,
The pack venting part,
A pack connection connected to the battery module,
A direction control part that is a pipe in communication with the pack connection part, and
A battery pack provided in one area of the side pack frame and including an outlet connected to the direction control unit. According to clause 24,
The direction control unit is located inside the side pack frame,
One end of the direction control unit is blocked, and the other end of the direction control unit is connected to the outlet,
The pack connection portion is a battery pack in which an area protrudes from one surface of the direction control portion toward the battery module. According to clause 25,
The pack connection portion is connected to the module connection portion of the battery module,
A battery pack wherein the module connection portion is a hole that communicates with the interior of the battery module.